The average salary for a Dental Hygienist in Los Angeles is 105,736 $ per year on a 40-hour full-time equivalent, or 8,811 $ gross per month and 50.83 $ gross per hour. The reported full-time salary range is 61,360 $ to 156,000 $. The analysis is based on 36 salary reports from workers and employers in Los Angeles. Part-time salaries are proportionally converted to 40 weekly hours so the values are comparable.
| Date | Job title | Weekly hours | Reported gross/year | Normalized to 40h/year | Gross/month 40h | Gross/hour 40h | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05/10/2026 | Dental Hygienist (Part-time) - Private Practice | 20.0 h | 57,200 $ | 114,400 $ | 9,533 $ | 55.00 $ | I'm a part-time hygienist at a new private practice and average about 20 hours weekly while building a client base. |
| 03/02/2026 | Senior Clinical Hygienist | 40.0 h | 145,600 $ | 145,600 $ | 12,133 $ | 70.00 $ | I work full time at a specialty practice and have extensive clinical certifications. My workload includes advanced perio procedures and mentoring newer clinicians. |
| 11/21/2025 | Director of Hygiene | 45.0 h | 149,760 $ | 133,120 $ | 11,093 $ | 64.00 $ | I serve as Director of Hygiene for a multi-site dental group. I work extended hours (about 45/week) and have significant managerial responsibilities in addition to occasional clinical work. |
| 06/05/2025 | Dental Hygienist (Part-time) - Cosmetic Clinic | 28.0 h | 90,272 $ | 128,960 $ | 10,747 $ | 62.00 $ | I work part time at an upscale cosmetic dentistry office, averaging 28 hours per week doing hygiene and patient consultations. |
| 01/29/2025 | Advanced Dental Hygienist | 40.0 h | 141,440 $ | 141,440 $ | 11,787 $ | 68.00 $ | I work full time in a clinic that focuses on advanced periodontal therapy and adjunctive laser treatments. My specialized skills and experience are reflected in my pay. |
| 12/15/2024 | Senior Hygienist / Trainer | 39.0 h | 133,848 $ | 137,280 $ | 11,440 $ | 66.00 $ | I work nearly full time and split clinical practice with in-house training responsibilities. I have specialized certifications that increased my compensation. |
| 09/17/2024 | Per Diem Dental Hygienist | 20.0 h | 78,000 $ | 156,000 $ | 13,000 $ | 75.00 $ | I do per diem shifts at multiple cosmetic practices, averaging about 20 hours a week. The hourly rate is high but I don't get benefits. |
| 05/03/2024 | Lead Dental Hygienist / Trainer | 38.0 h | 124,488 $ | 131,040 $ | 10,920 $ | 63.00 $ | I'm the lead hygienist responsible for training and onboarding across two offices. I work a full-time schedule of about 38 hours and run continuing education in-house. |
| 02/11/2024 | Dental Hygienist - Group Practice | 40.0 h | 135,200 $ | 135,200 $ | 11,267 $ | 65.00 $ | I work full time at a large group practice with robust benefits. I've specialized in digital scanning and patient education which increased my compensation. |
| 09/09/2023 | Associate Dental Hygienist - Private Practice | 40.0 h | 124,800 $ | 124,800 $ | 10,400 $ | 60.00 $ | I've been an associate hygienist at a high-end private practice for several years. I'm full time and participate in cosmetic treatment planning and advanced periodontal maintenance. |
| 04/22/2023 | Senior Dental Hygienist (Part-time) | 30.0 h | 85,800 $ | 114,400 $ | 9,533 $ | 55.00 $ | I work part time in a specialty clinic focusing on periodontal maintenance. I have many years of experience and a specialized skill set, so I keep a 30-hour week. |
| 01/15/2023 | Dental Hygienist Supervisor | 40.0 h | 116,480 $ | 116,480 $ | 9,707 $ | 56.00 $ | I supervise the hygiene department at a multi-location group practice. I'm full time and split time between clinical work and administrative oversight. |
| 12/20/2022 | Travel/Contract Dental Hygienist | 40.0 h | 128,960 $ | 128,960 $ | 10,747 $ | 62.00 $ | I take high-paying travel contracts and typically work full-time weeks at each assignment; assignments pay well due to short-term demand. |
| 10/28/2022 | Dental Hygienist (Part-time) | 28.0 h | 66,976 $ | 95,680 $ | 7,973 $ | 46.00 $ | I work part time at a pediatric-friendly practice doing hygiene and fluoride applications. My schedule is roughly 28 hours per week so I can balance family responsibilities. |
| 07/02/2022 | Senior Dental Hygienist | 36.0 h | 94,536 $ | 105,040 $ | 8,753 $ | 50.50 $ | I've been a hygienist for over ten years and work at a high-volume cosmetic office. I work 36 hours a week and take on complex hygiene cases and mentoring responsibilities. |
| 03/19/2022 | Clinical Dental Hygienist | 40.0 h | 112,320 $ | 112,320 $ | 9,360 $ | 54.00 $ | I work full time at a specialty periodontal practice; my week includes scaling/root planing and perio maintenance. I have advanced training and about nine years' experience. |
| 11/30/2021 | Dental Hygienist (Part-time) - New Grad | 20.0 h | 36,400 $ | 72,800 $ | 6,067 $ | 35.00 $ | I recently graduated and work part time at a busy office to build experience. I average 20 hours a week and focus on basic prophylaxis and patient recalls. |
| 08/12/2021 | Lead Clinical Hygienist | 38.0 h | 98,800 $ | 104,000 $ | 8,667 $ | 50.00 $ | I'm a lead clinical hygienist at a large group practice. I work a slightly reduced full-time schedule and help train new hygienists and assist with case coordination. |
| 05/20/2021 | Owner / Dental Hygienist | 45.0 h | 135,720 $ | 120,640 $ | 10,053 $ | 58.00 $ | I own a small private practice and still perform hygiene about half my week while also handling business operations. I work long hours (about 45/week) and carry most management responsibilities. |
| 03/27/2021 | Dental Hygienist (Part-time) - Recent License | 30.0 h | 59,280 $ | 79,040 $ | 6,587 $ | 38.00 $ | I'm recently licensed and work part time at a busy office to gain experience. I average about 30 hours a week and focus on routine cleanings and patient education. |
| 12/01/2020 | Dental Hygienist - Small Private Practice | 35.0 h | 87,360 $ | 99,840 $ | 8,320 $ | 48.00 $ | I work full time (35 hours) at a small private practice where I also handle reception overflow occasionally. I have several years of experience. |
| 09/15/2020 | Dental Hygienist Supervisor | 42.0 h | 120,120 $ | 114,400 $ | 9,533 $ | 55.00 $ | I have a supervisor role overseeing hygienists at a regional dental group. I work about 42 hours a week and handle scheduling, QA, and training in addition to clinical duties. |
| 04/06/2020 | Dental Hygienist (Part-time) | 30.0 h | 68,640 $ | 91,520 $ | 7,627 $ | 44.00 $ | During the pandemic I shifted to a part-time schedule with a larger corporate practice. I work about 30 hours a week doing hygiene and triage. |
| 12/12/2019 | Senior Dental Hygienist | 40.0 h | 108,160 $ | 108,160 $ | 9,013 $ | 52.00 $ | I've been in practice for over a decade and work full time at a specialty-oriented office handling advanced periodontal cases and patient recall systems. |
| 10/25/2019 | Dental Hygienist (Part-time) - Community Clinic | 32.0 h | 69,888 $ | 87,360 $ | 7,280 $ | 42.00 $ | I work part time at a community clinic, averaging four days a week. My focus is on preventive care and patient education, and I am paid hourly. |
| 06/18/2019 | Lead Dental Hygienist | 36.0 h | 90,792 $ | 100,880 $ | 8,407 $ | 48.50 $ | I am the lead hygienist at a midsize dental office with five hygienists. I work 36 hours a week, coordinate schedules, and step in when clinical oversight is needed. |
| 01/08/2019 | Associate Dental Hygienist - Private Practice | 40.0 h | 99,840 $ | 99,840 $ | 8,320 $ | 48.00 $ | I work full time as an associate hygienist in a busy private practice. I have about eight years' experience and do both hygiene and some treatment planning support. |
| 11/11/2018 | Travel Dental Hygienist | 40.0 h | 95,680 $ | 95,680 $ | 7,973 $ | 46.00 $ | I'm a travel hygienist contracted through an agency; assignments rotate but I'm full time while on assignment. I work a standard 40-hour week and receive a higher hourly pay. |
| 06/05/2018 | Dental Hygienist (Part-time) - Community Health | 34.0 h | 58,416 $ | 68,725 $ | 5,727 $ | 33.04 $ | I work part time at a community health center with a 34-hour schedule. I handle a diverse patient population and focus on prevention and outreach. |
| 03/22/2018 | Dental Hygienist - Community Clinic | 38.0 h | 67,184 $ | 70,720 $ | 5,893 $ | 34.00 $ | I've been a hygienist at a federally funded community clinic for four years. I work full time (slightly under 40) and the caseload includes a lot of restorative and hygiene maintenance. |
| 12/05/2017 | Per Diem Dental Hygienist | 20.0 h | 52,000 $ | 104,000 $ | 8,667 $ | 50.00 $ | I work per diem for a mobile dental unit and average about 20 hours a week. My schedule varies, and I get a higher hourly rate but no benefits. |
| 09/30/2017 | Senior Dental Hygienist | 40.0 h | 88,400 $ | 88,400 $ | 7,367 $ | 42.50 $ | I am the most senior hygienist at a small private practice. I have seven years' experience and often handle complex perio cases; I don't have direct reports but I mentor newer staff. |
| 02/14/2017 | Clinical Dental Hygienist | 40.0 h | 72,800 $ | 72,800 $ | 6,067 $ | 35.00 $ | I'm a mid-level hygienist at a large corporate dental chain. I've been here about three years and work a standard full-time schedule doing hygiene and some patient charting. |
| 11/03/2016 | Dental Hygienist (Part-time) | 24.0 h | 47,424 $ | 79,040 $ | 6,587 $ | 38.00 $ | I work part time (two to three days a week) at a private general practice while going to school. My schedule is flexible and I do prophylaxis and perio maintenance. |
| 07/10/2016 | Dental Hygienist | 37.5 h | 62,400 $ | 66,560 $ | 5,547 $ | 32.00 $ | I started here as an entry-level hygienist at a small community clinic and have been here about 1 year. I work full time and my duties are routine cleanings, x-rays, and patient education; I don't manage staff. |
| 06/30/2016 | Dental Hygienist - Clinic (Entry-level) | 40.0 h | 61,360 $ | 61,360 $ | 5,113 $ | 29.50 $ | I work full time at a dental school clinic as an entry-level hygienist. My role is primarily focused on preventative care and learning specialized procedures. |
Los Angeles is one of the country’s largest and most diverse dental care markets. Preventive and periodontal care are in steady demand across the metro area’s varied neighborhoods—from the Westside and South Bay to the San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys. Dental hygienists in Los Angeles typically find opportunities in private practices, dental service organizations (DSOs), community health centers, academic clinics, and government facilities. Resumed preventive visits after the pandemic, ongoing enrollment in employer-sponsored and public dental coverage, and an aging population that prioritizes oral health all contribute to consistent hiring activity.
California regulates the profession through the Dental Hygiene Board of California, and employers in Los Angeles generally look for candidates with an active RDH license, local anesthesia and nitrous oxide certification, current BLS/CPR, and strong infection control practices. Experience with periodontal therapy, digital radiography, and common charting software (such as Dentrix, Eaglesoft, or Open Dental) is frequently requested. Bilingual skills in Spanish, Korean, Mandarin, Armenian, Tagalog, or Farsi can be a plus in many neighborhoods.
Nationally, dental hygiene employment is projected by federal sources to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the next decade, and Los Angeles often reflects that trend due to its size and patient volume. Local practices report steady schedules for prophylaxis, scaling and root planing, perio maintenance, sealants, and patient education. Many offices staff hygienists part-time or across multiple days to match patient flow, so per-diem and multi-practice schedules are common. Temporary and on-call shifts are sometimes filled through staffing platforms, which can help new residents build local experience.
Regional industry characteristics shape day-to-day work. Patient populations vary widely by neighborhood, and hygienists often tailor education and communication styles accordingly. Utilization in community clinics has been supported by California’s public dental program, and school-based or mobile prevention efforts remain active across the county. California also offers the RDHAP (Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice) pathway, which can expand access to care in residential facilities and underserved settings; Los Angeles typically offers opportunities for clinicians interested in that route.
Dental hygienists in Los Angeles are employed across a mix of settings. Examples include:
In addition, thousands of independent general practices across Los Angeles regularly hire hygienists for ongoing or relief coverage, creating a wide range of options for clinicians seeking specific schedules, practice philosophies, or patient demographics.
Dental hygienists in Los Angeles can pursue varied career paths. In private practice and DSOs, roles often emphasize preventive care, perio maintenance, patient education, and adjunctive services such as local anesthesia where permitted. Community health centers provide experience with comprehensive prevention, sealant programs, and outreach, with a mission-driven focus on reducing disparities. Academic clinics and the VA may offer exposure to complex cases, interprofessional teams, and continuing education.
Specialization options include working closely with periodontists on non-surgical therapy and maintenance protocols, or joining pediatric practices that emphasize early prevention, fluoride varnish, and behavior guidance. Hygienists interested in broader impact can explore public health initiatives, school-based sealant programs, and the RDHAP pathway to serve homebound patients and residents of long-term care facilities.
Professional growth in Los Angeles often involves building skills with digital workflows (intraoral sensors, chartless records, and sometimes intraoral scanners for patient education), staying current with periodontal protocols, and completing state-required continuing education. Some hygienists move into roles such as lead hygienist, clinical trainer, or practice manager, while others transition to teaching at local dental hygiene programs or participating in community oral health research through area universities.
Overall, the Los Angeles market typically offers steady demand, diverse patient populations, and multiple practice settings. For clinicians who value cultural competency, flexibility in scheduling, and opportunities to contribute to community health, the region provides a strong platform to build and advance a dental hygiene career.
The average salary for a Dental Hygienist in Los Angeles is 105,736 $ per year on a 40-hour basis, or 8,811 $ gross per month.
Part-time and full-time reports are normalized to a 40-hour workweek so salary reports can be compared fairly.
You can find more comparisons on the profession overview for Dental Hygienist and the city overview for Los Angeles. They show reported cities or jobs with their difference from the average.
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